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Architecture/Spacing hips and valleys

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Expert: - 6/2/2009


Question
My house has a hip roof on a rectangular footprint.  I am planning an addition that will have a gable roof with the ridge coming off of the long side of the existing roof.  The new roof will create a valley where it meets the existing roof, and the new fascia will meet the existing fascia at right angles.  If the new roof is six inches narrower than the existing roof (on each side) will it provide enough room so that the lower ends of the new valley and the existing hip are far enough apart?  Should it be 12 inches?

Answer
Hi Simon,

I'm not positive I fully picture what you are describing . . . do you not want the ridges to touch?  If you don't, then I think 12" narrower on each side will be better.  6" will likely make the ridge very close to the existing, which will not look very well planned out (it should either hit it exactly or be enough off that it looks deliberate).  Regarding the lower ends of the valley . . . I think that's where I'm not understanding.  Is the addition pushed over to the edge so the valley is near an existing hip?  If yes, then again, you'd probably want 12" minimum distance here so the new valley doesn't hit the shingles on the existing hip.  

Keep in mind when you are drawing this out in plan, if the roof pitches are the same, then the valley and hip lines will be at 45 degrees.  You can create a simple roof plan that can help you measure the rough distance.  I say rough distance, because the roof is sloping, the distance measured on sloping elements will be slightly more than measured in plan.  

Hope this helps.  If you need further clarification feel free to post again.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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Nazim Nice

Expertise

I am a Seattle Architect and can answer architecture and design related questions. Ask me about material suggestions or usage. Ask me about design options - what is good design and what is bad. Ask me about choosing exterior house colors and furniture layout options. Ask me about detailing and assembling houses or components in the home. Ask me about green design or materials. Ask me about choosing an architect, the architectural services, basement remodels, second story additions, and whole house remodels. Ask me about garage design, bathroom remodels, laundry and mudroom design, family room additions, and roof deck additions.

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Over 12 years of practice in the Architectural field including three years of internship plus 5 years of school. I have taught at the Knowlton School of Architecture at the Ohio State University and lectured at Carnegie Mellon University. I currently own and run the Seattle Architecture Firm, Motionspace Architecture + Design PLLC.

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National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB, Seattle Architects | Motionspace Architecture + Design. More information at our blog the (un)common house. Lumen ID Custom Engraved Switch Plates with Labels.

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BArch from Carnegie Mellon University & Andrew Carnegie Scholar

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